Estonia Try To Halt Slide

Estonia’s preparations for the men’s European Championship qualifiers are in turmoil, with the team losing 10 of their last 11 matches.

They were beaten again on Thursday, this time 80-82 by Finland.

But there were some encouraging signs, according to the Estonian daily newspaper Postimees, although turnovers, missed throws and technical mistakes eventually gave the win to their northern neighbours.

Head coach Heino Enden remains optimistic.

“I am not concerned about the losses,” Enden told Postimees.

Finnish Coach Henrik Dettman

“I think that the defeats will make us work harder. There are no players in my team who would start worrying (about the losses).”

But Estonian player Tanel Tein admitted that the team got nervous on Thursday - especially when the Finnish referee fouled out Rauno Pehka and Martin Muursepp.

“That was a true test for our nerves, but I don't think that we should get so upset because of the referee's doings,” Tein told Postimees.

“It's not like it was some really important game.”

Enden said the main fault wasn't the referee but the lack of cooperation between the players.

“The front line didn't play such an important role - three men scored only 13 points,” he said.

“The back-line played the game well though and the throws were more precise.”

Tein added: “We should work on the defence. We have come here from different clubs, we have to make sure we understand each other better.”